Gakx

Woohoo! I knew you could do it! I am so proud of you to take on Day 1. This is the start of something great. Don't worry, I was much too shaky to text or type the first few days. One day at a time, 2muchpain, you are doing well for yourself. Stick with it through these first few days, you know that the withdrawal symptoms will end.

Pipping

You can do this, it gets easier. Sending you positive vibes tonight.xxx

2muchpain

I'll tell ya this really sucks. Shaking so bad yesterday I could barely stand. Cold sweats all night. My bed was soaked this morning. Slept 11 hours. Still a little shaky today, in a rotten mood, but I should feel better by the end of the day, but man, this has been a tough one. I won't drink today because I don't want to start over with this sh**t. Gonna have a weak cup of coffee to get myself off this damn couch and do some cleaning or something. Want to accomplish something today. Just sick of this. Want my life back!!

ReadyAndAble

Way to go, 2much! You may feel like crap but you're on your way, and probably a lot closer to getting your life back than you think.

freethinking

We're rooting you on, 2much!

MarathonMan

2much - stick with it mate....nearly finished day 2 now....it will get easier soon

Tiptree

Hey 2much good for you. Lord knows how hard it is but you'll be doing better soon.

Goldcoastgirl

So glad to see you posted today. Have been thinking about you. Hang in there x

2muchpain

Thanks guys, you're all great. Your support makes a big difference.

LadyinBC

We are all behind you 100%. Good for you for doing this.

It really does get better and the withdrawals will pass. Just hang in there and remember to take it one day at a time. All you are required to do today is not drink. Keep it simple.

Jus

(((2muchpain))) I used to be like you. I felt so lost, and wanted my life back.

Today it's different, I accepted what was causing me 2 much pain, and I've let it all go.

I have my life back, and YOU will too.

This is one strong addiction, but you can do it, along with us. Please find some comfort in the fact, we've all been where you are, and we found our way out. YOU CAN TOO

I'm not sure what program you're using. Whatever it is, I hope you're putting 100% into it. We can't get lazy with this.

It will get easier as time goes by, I/we promise you this. You just have to be patient, and ride out the emotions, which can get crazy. All the more reason to keep your mind busy, read, walks, whatever it takes. It's worth every effort you put into it.

I'll tell you what it feels like walking away from it, after hmmm, I can't even begin to tell you how many times, I tried, to only flip back, but I didn't give up, and neither will you. You can beat this buggar of an addiction, show it you're the boss, not it.

For me, I feel like the weight of heavy wet blanket has been lifted from my shoulders. The same thing will happen with you.

Life is waiting for you Wishing you all the best. And always remember, we're all walking the same path as you.

Hevyn

I'm happy to hear the good news 2much. We know you can do this. Once you're through the rough part there's no stopping you.

bllit

You can do it one day at a time.

2muchpain

I have admit I really don't have a program. I go to AA meetings just to be around other alcoholics and to learn from them. I've been going to meetings for many years, just couldn't connect with it. I read about AVRT to add to what I learn from the meetings. Than of course, there is this forum. I was seeing an addiction specialist, but wanted to see me every week, which can run up a big cost. I got a call from her telling me she would be willing to cut that back to twice a month. I can afford that but have been drunk since that call.

Goldcoastgirl

Maybe it would be good to see the specialist again - does it matter if you have been drunk since the call? Grab every tool you can that you feel comfortable with. She shouldn't judge you if she is a specialist in addictions, I'm sure she has seen it all!

ReadyAndAble

I didn't have a program. Just spent a lot of my time on SR in the early days (highly recommend the class threads—it's like joining a team of people determined to help each other through the first weeks and months). I was several months sober when I discovered AVRT, so while I cannot credit it with my recovery, and do credit it with shaping my views of recovery, and basically sealing the deal. Exercise, reading, exploring new hobbies—all that factored in, too.

I'm not in AA, but from what I understand, the meetings are just a small part of it. The step work seems to be the core of the program.

Mixing of AA and AVRT can sometimes be tricky; they have the same goal, but they start from very different perspectives. I'm a believer in assembling a big toolbox and tend to flee from dogma.... but I bring it up because some people have a hard time reconciling the two. You may find yourself in a place where AA tells you one thing, and AVRT tells you another. (In which case my advice is to shoot RobbyRobot a PM, because he's masterfully extracted value from both).

You're kicking butt. Another day in the can!

Tiptree

2Much - I think you should go to see the specialist whether you are still drinking or not, just plan on how to get there safely and get back home safely.

2muchpain

My plan right now is to get back in the gym and to back to work this week. Then call the addiction specialist by Friday to set up an appointment and start going back to AA next week. What do you honestly think of my plan?

Olive1

Hi 2much,
If you are planning on going to AA meetings, then I would go to a meeting today. And then again tomorrow. And then again the next day. And so on and so on. I would not wait until next week.
Congratulations on 2 days!

2muchpain

Olive 1

Thanks for the advice and it makes a lot of sense. The only reason I haven't gone yet was I have been so shaky I could barely walk, and in need to be very close to the bathroom. But you are right; I'm feeling better tonight, so I will go to a meeting or two this week and not wait. I have seen people show up the day after they stopped drinking. I don't know how they do it, but I give them a lot of credit for it. I've noticed they usually show up with a friend who stays close. Unfortunately for me, that is not an option.